Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Land Dispute Resolution Supreme Court Upholds COSLAP Authority and Emphasizes Judicial Hierarchy
The Supreme Court reinforces the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and res judicata in land disputes involving COSLAP, dismissing a direct petition for certiorari.
Ejectment Cases and Land Ownership: When Prior Possession Does Not Bar Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, COSLAP jurisdiction, and Torrens title imprescriptibility in Cayabyab v. Gomez de Aquino.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Retroactivity of Laws in Eminent Domain: When New Legislation Meets Pending Expropriation
Explains when new laws apply retroactively in eminent domain cases, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Lintag v. NPC.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Police Power, Not Taxation, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA's Universal Charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and found no undue delegation of legislative authority.
Probationary Employment and Dismissal for Slanderous Remarks: Key Lessons from Pasamba v. NLRC
Probationary employees may be dismissed for violating reasonable company standards, including rules against slanderous remarks, as explained in this case.
Legislative Contempt Ends When Inquiry Ends: Roque v. House Quad Committee
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative contempt and detention orders lapse once the congressional inquiry terminates or Congress expires.
Local Autonomy Prevails Defining Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities AND Highly Urbanized Cities
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over LGU boundary disputes, which belong to sanggunians under the Local Government Code.
Legislative Inquiry vs Executive Privilege: The PCGG Testimony Case
The Supreme Court ruled PCGG officials must testify before Senate inquiries, striking down Section 4(b) of E.O. No. 1 as unconstitutional.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Estafa Tightrope: Good Faith vs Criminal Intent in Bounced Check Cases
Supreme Court acquits AFPSLAI exec in falsification case, stressing that conviction requires proof of damage as alleged in the information.
COSLAP Jurisdiction: When Can the Commission Settle Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited jurisdiction of COSLAP over land disputes, distinguishing it from DARAB's agrarian cases.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Streamlining Government IDs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420 on unified government IDs, clarifying the limits of presidential power of control.
Executive Order 420 and the Right to Privacy: When ID Systems Need Legislation
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying existing government ID systems is a valid executive act, not legislation.
Supreme Court Upholds EO 420: Streamlining Government ID Systems Is Valid Executive Action
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying government ID systems is a valid exercise of presidential power, not legislation.
Lost in Translation: Why Accurate Publication Is Key to Philippine Naturalization
The Supreme Court denies naturalization where the notice of hearing omitted the applicant's witnesses' names—publication must be complete and accurate.
Real Property Tax Exemption for Telecoms: Understanding Franchise Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Bayantel's real property tax exemption under its legislative franchise, and what this means for telecom companies.
Religious Freedom and Workplace Rules: The Ramadan Office Hours Ruling for Muslim Employees
The Supreme Court explains when religious accommodation in government workplaces is required by law and when it needs legislation.
When a Bank's Oversight Triggers a Land Ownership Dispute: Davao New Town v. COSLAP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over private land disputes and the limits of agrarian reform adjudication.
Coslaps Limited Jurisdiction Resolving Land Disputes AND Forum Shopping
When can a government agency act on a land dispute without violating due process? The Supreme Court explains in Primetown v. Juntilla.
Appeal Route Clarified: COSLAP Decisions Go to Court of Appeals, Not Directly to Supreme Court
Learn why COSLAP rulings on labor cases must be appealed to the CA first, based on a recent Supreme Court decision.
Can a Voided Municipality Be Revived? Lessons from Andong, Lanao del Sur
The Supreme Court rules that a municipality voided in Pelaez cannot be revived without legislative action, even if it claims to exist.
Breach of Contract and Preliminary Attachment: D.M. Wenceslao v. Readycon
Supreme Court clarifies when a wrongful attachment claim succeeds and when a contract balance becomes due, in a construction supply dispute.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.